A Surrey urologist is urging people not to let embarrassment stop them seeking medical help for potentially serious symptoms.

Consultant urological surgeon Neil Barber says patients can be reluctant to discuss intimate health problems or undergo examinations, potentially delaying them from getting the treatment they need.

His warning comes during Urology Awareness Month, which runs throughout September and aims to raise awareness of conditions affecting the urinary tract and male reproductive system.

Mr Barber, who practises in Farnham, Woking, and Frimley, has worked in urology for 33 years.

He said: “I try to approach things with a mix of sensitivity, professionalism and good humour, to help reassure each patient and make them feel comfortable.

“As a urologist with 33 years' experience, I've seen and heard it all really. My best piece of advice is to seek help for any issue you're facing early on, to give us the best opportunity to treat it promptly.”

According to The Urology Foundation, around 4.3 million men in the UK are affected by erectile dysfunction, while around 14 million men, women and children experience incontinence.

Mr Barber said anxiety about physical examinations can also deter some patients from making an appointment, but stressed an examination is not required at every consultation.

“An examination isn't part of every consultation, and if it is, the urologist will talk you through everything clearly and answer any questions you may have to ease any anxiety,” he said.

“Consultations are generally just a conversation to help the doctor understand your symptoms, general health, and medical and family history, so the best plan can be formulated for each patient going forward.”

Symptoms which should be discussed with a doctor include blood in the urine, a new testicular lump or swelling, persistent pain in the side, back, pelvis or testicle, repeated urinary infections and difficulty starting or maintaining urine flow.

Other signs include needing to urinate more frequently or urgently, leakage and persistent changes in urinary or sexual function.

Mr Barber said not every symptom indicates a serious condition, but persistent or unexplained changes should be assessed.

Visible blood in the urine should always be reported promptly, even if it happens only once, while sudden and severe testicular pain, particularly when accompanied by nausea or abdominal pain, requires urgent medical assessment.

He also wants to challenge misconceptions surrounding urological conditions.

“One myth is that urology is only for older men. That's not true, it applies to the urinary tract in people of all ages and genders, as well as the male reproductive system,” he said.

“Many people also assume that seeing a urologist will mean surgery, but many conditions can be improved with lifestyle measures, monitoring, medication or minimally invasive treatment.”

Mr Barber was appointed as a consultant urological surgeon at Frimley Park Hospital in 2005 and is now clinical lead for urology at Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust.

He was recently ranked third in Doctify's list of its top ten UK urologists for patient experience between August 2025 and August 2026.